Scanning module for single line and raster scanning using dual lasers

Abstract

A retroreflective optical scan module, including first and second selectable light sources having different beam characteristics for directing a selected light beam to a symbol to be read, an optical assembly including a light collecting portion which collects and redirects the light reflected from the symbol along an optical path to a sensor, and a selector for selecting which light source to use depending on whether a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional symbol is being scanned.

I claim:  
     
       1. An arrangement for selectively electro-optically reading one-dimensional and two-dimensional symbols, comprising: 
       a) a support;  
       b) a first, selectable light source on the support for producing a first light beam having a generally elliptical cross-section;  
       c) a second, selectable light source on the support for producing a second light beam having a generally circular cross-section;  
       d) means for detecting whether a symbol being read is one-dimensional or two-dimensional, and for selecting the first light beam when a detected symbol is one-dimensional, and for selecting the second light beam when the detected symbol is two-dimensional;  
       e) a scanner on the support for sweeping a selected beam over the detected symbol for reflection therefrom; and  
       f) a sensor on the support for sensing light reflected from the detected symbol and for generating an electrical signal corresponding to the detected symbol.  
     
     
       2. The arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein each light source is a laser. 
     
     
       3. The arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the scanner includes a first scan mirror oscillatable about a first axis, and a second scan mirror oscillatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. 
     
     
       4. The arrangement of  claim 3 , and an electromagnetic drive for oscillating each mirror. 
     
     
       5. The arrangement of  claim 1 , and a collection mirror on the support for collecting the reflected light, and for directing the collected light to the sensor. 
     
     
       6. The arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the support includes a generally rectangular parallelepiped module and a printed circuit board. 
     
     
       7. The arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the detecting means includes a switch switchable between a first position corresponding to selection of the first light beam and a second position corresponding to selection of the second light beam. 
     
     
       8. The arrangement of  claim 7 , wherein the switch is a manually operated trigger on a housing in which the support is received.